ANC mayoral candidate for the City of Johannesburg, Mpho Parks Tau said should his party retain power in this City he would continue to vie for spatial transformation, adding that this was a critical priority in Joburg.
He mentioned that transforming space created more equitable access to opportunities in the city. “We have to ensure that we overcome the history of exclusion and segregation among our residents,” Tau emphasised.
He said by stitching the city together, it would create a more inclusive, efficient and accessible city.
Tau said the current Bus Rapid Transit system was being used as the backbone for the Corridors of Freedom, which he said brought residents in close proximity to where economic activities were. “With the Corridors of Freedom, we are able to increase density and intensity of land use throughout Johannesburg.”
He added that the management of space was one of the primary roles of a municipality. “It’s a global phenomenon that the more just [sic] spaces you create, the more you are able to overcome social challenges as the people and as the country.”
Tau did not leave young people out and said the youth would be used as the cornerstone of the development of the city. He added that more youth empowerment initiatives would continue to be rolled out to ensure the upliftment of young people in the city, should his party retain power after the 3 August local government elections.
“We are engaging young people and are taking advantage of the digital space to enhance their abilities,” he said.
He highlighted the City’s Vulindlel’eJozi programme which is a youth empowerment initiative for young people to access skills training and entry-level employment.
Tau said the programme had already begun breaking down barriers to various opportunities for young people, with 45 000 opportunities already secured for them in partnership with 250 private companies. “Up to 7 000 young people have been placed in jobs while others are in further education or entrepreneurship skills development programmes.”
Tau has been Member of the Mayoral Council in the City since 2000. He became the executive mayor of Johannesburg in 2011 and, said since taking office as mayor, and said he had delivered on the mandate that he was given by the residents of Johannesburg.
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